The brotherhood chair of the Black Men's Forum was the first to stand last night as Gigi N. Parris '03 began her rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

When Harrel E. Conner '02 rose from his seat at the Kennedy School of Government's ARCO Forum, he began the first of what would be many standing ovations at the awards and talent show portion of the annual Tribute to Black Men.

The festivities were part of a week-long program sponsored by the Association of Black Harvard Women (ABHW).

Parris' performance opened the event, which honored Clinton administration official Ben Johnson with the 2000 Vanguard Award, given to a black man who excels in his field.

Johnson is the director of the President's Initiative for One America--the first free-standing White House office to examine and focus on closing opportunity gaps for minorities.

"He is a powerful man who is indeed dedicated to the black community," said ABHW President Giselle J. Pinto '00.

S. Allen Counter, director of the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, presented Johnson with the award.

In his acceptance speech, Johnson thanked ABHW for "giving him a break from the White House," spoke of his admiration for President Clinton and discussed social responsibility.